Shannon Taylor

Shannon Taylor is an educator in Columbus, Ohio with 25 years of experience, serving over 15 years specializing in college access and student advising. Shannon's career has been marked by continuous dedication and a relentless drive to make a difference. Her diverse roles have included: K-12 classroom teacher, program coordinator, college adviser, community engagement manager, and currently serves as Assistant Director of College Advising Programs and Partnerships. Shannon is a proud graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and has keen insight into the relevance and importance of

HBCUs through her extensive research of the benefits HBCUs provide to marginalized communities. This passion has led Shannon with conviction and determination to help provide access, equity, and opportunity in education for all students. These tenets are apparent in the work she does with her current employer--I Know I Can, a college access organization serving students in the Columbus City Schools District and Central

Ohio. In her role as Assistant Director, she leads the work of her organization for the Columbus Promise Scholarship Program. The Columbus Promise is a pilot program that brings together four partnering organizations which include I Know I Can, the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, and Columbus State Community College; to offer a tuition-free degree or credential to all seniors graduating from Columbus City Schools in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Shannon moved with her husband Sean to Columbus, where they've raised their two children, Camden and Kennedy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Kentucky State University, and a Master of Science degree in Science Education from Walden University. Additionally, Shannon is a 500-hour EYT certified yoga and meditation teacher, serves on the Board of Directors for Wellity Education (formerly Youth Yoga Project), and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she serves as committee chair of Physical & Mental Health.